Dr Finlay's Casebook by AJ Cronin Read Free Book Online Page A

that it was my duty, to you
– and to Bess whom I love with all my heart.’
    Again silence filled the little office. Then Finlay felt his right hand grasped as in a vice and slowly he was drawn towards Bob until his cheek rested against the other’s tear-drenched
face. At last the words came as though wrenched from clenched teeth: ‘I’ll kill the scoundrel.’
    With an effort Finlay broke free.
    ‘Be calm, Bob. Calm and strong. For the sake of Bess, whom we both love, don’t act on impulse.’ He paused for a few seconds then continued, ‘It’s quite clear that
these two are infatuated, not so much with each other as with the pleasure, illicit thought it is, they derive from each other. In other words that attraction for each other is purely physical, and
only physical force will stop it.’
    ‘If you mean to thrash that young blackguard I’ve already tried it, Finlay. I gave him a damn good hiding, and it only made her go to him all the more out of pity.’
    After another, more lengthy, silence Finlay spoke again. ‘Bob, I have given a good deal of thought to your problem, and there is only one way to deal with it. As I said just now the
attraction between these two is physical, easy and accessible contact. They must therefore be separated.’
    He paused to let this sink in, then he resumed. ‘Now, at my university in Glasgow, they have instituted a scheme to deal with the Spanish War orphans. Boatloads of them have just arrived
at the Broomielaw. My old teacher, Professor Sinclair, is now calling for young people to help in the reception and care of these poor little waifs. Now listen Bob, I have kept in touch with
Professor Sinclair and if I let him know the circumstances, he will give Bess work that will fit her case, work in a country settlement that will certainly touch her heart and absorb her interest
and attention. She will go to her cot – in a dormitory of girls – too tired even to think.’
    In the silence that followed Finlay felt his hand gripped again.
    ‘So you agree Bob. I thought you would!’
    The answer came instantly. ‘Of course I agree, dear Finlay, with all my heart, and I beg you to ring your professor, right away, soon, soon!’
    Finlay replied quickly and firmly, ‘I have already telephoned him, Bob! It’s all arranged. Ye may send Bess off first thing tomorrow. Tell her to go straight from the station to
Professor Sinclair at the university. I’ve got him really interested in her case and he will take care of everything.’
    Six months later on a fine autumn afternoon Finlay had just come in from a brief foray on the moors when Janet called to him, ‘There’s a lady and gentleman to see
you. It’s such a fine afternoon they’re waiting outside in the porch.’
    Finlay put down his gun and a brace of partridges then walked round to the porch. Immediately a young man stood up and held out his hand.
    ‘Forgive us for disturbing you at this hour, Dr Finlay. My wife was so anxious for us to visit you that we came directly to you from the station, before going on to my dear wife’s
home. The name’s Sinclair, by the way.’
    Shading his eyes against the sun Finlay saw the young man to be well set up, handsome, quietly dressed in tweeds and wearing a university ‘blues’ tie. Sinclair? thought Finlay.
Suddenly the light struck.
    ‘You are Professor Sinclair’s son?’
    ‘Yes, indeed, sir. He sends his very best regards and remembrances to you. And this lady here, my dear wife, surely you know her?’
    ‘Bess! Bess Buchanan!’
    ‘Now Bess Sinclair, darling.’ And rising Bess planted a soft, warm kiss on Finlay’s cheek, whispering, ‘How much I owe you dear doctor. You must realise that when you
look at me. I am happy, so happy, and am at last truly and serenely in love!’
    For a moment Finlay was too overcome to speak.
    ‘It’s the orphans who did it,’ he muttered, at last.
    ‘And weren’t you responsible for the orphans?’ countered Bess